I'm available to come speak to your group and also offer classes that compliment my lectures. Please contact me to learn about my rates and availability!
I give illustrated talks on the following topics:
The History of the American Block-Style Quilt
What are the roots of the American patchwork quilt? Which design elements are uniquely American and which were inherited from European colonists? This illustrated lecture explores British and Dutch patchwork from the eighteenth century to identify patterns and motifs used by colonial and early-American quilters. We then examine how early Americans adapted the layout of their quilts, moving from a predominantly medallion-style arrangement to the repeating block-style that is thought of as iconically American today. By looking at a wealth of examples of historical patchwork and quilts, attendees will learn the timeline for sub-styles and shifts in design and the cultural changes that might have influenced these shifts in layout and style. Participants will come away with a clear understanding of colonial and early American patchwork styles and lots of inspiration to use in their own artwork today.
What’s in a Name? Documenting Quilts of Yesterday and Today
After decades of studying quilt history, I have encountered many challenges in trying to track down the stories and histories of particular pieces. By sharing some of the quilt history mysteries that I have unraveled (or failed to unravel), this talk highlights the kinds of information that is helpful to include when you are labeling your quilts. The lecture ends with practical considerations for today's quilters: What tools are available to help you label your quilts and how do you use them? What level of information constitutes the bare minimum to put on a label and what is the ideal? And why does it all matter anyway?